ELLIS, ELMO ISRAEL.
Elmo Israel Ellis papers, 1947-1981

Restrictions on Access

Special restrictions apply: Researchers must contact MARBL in advance to access audiovisual materials in this collection.

Collection stored off-site. Researchers must contact MARBL in advance to access this collection.

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

All requests subject to limitations noted in departmental policies on reproduction.

Source

Gift, 1981, with subsequent additions.

Citation

[after identification of item(s)], Elmo Israel Ellis papers, Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library, Emory University.

Biographical Note

Elmo Israel Ellis (1918-2005), author, retired executive and broadcast journalist, was born on November 11, 1918 in Birmingham, Alabama to Samuel B. and Bertha F. Seletz Israel. He graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in journalism and then obtained his master degree in journalism from Emory University. He began his career in radio as director of public relations at WSB in Atlanta in 1940. During World War II, he joined the United States Air Force where he worked as a writer and producer for radio programs. After the war, he worked as a writer and producer of various radio shows in New York. In 1948, he returned to Atlanta and became production manager for the fledgling WSB-TV. But in 1952, he returned to radio to help revive WSB. By 1964, he was promoted to General Manager of WSB-AM and WSB-FM, a position he held until his retirement in 1982. During retirement, he wrote books and a newspaper column. He died on June 24, 2005 and is buried in Arlington Cemetery.

Scope and Content Note

The collection consists of papers of Elmo Israel Ellis from 1947-1981. The papers include correspondence (1947-1981) related to Ellis' career as broadcast executive and journalist, his writings including editorials, book manuscripts, radio scripts, and speeches; and audiotapes of his personal commentary broadcast, Viewpoint (ca. 1965-1975) and Pro and Con (1967-1981), made over WSB Radio in Atlanta. The collection also includes photographs, clippings, memorabilia, news releases, and awards.

Arrangement Note

Unprocessed collection.